The Niger government imposed a curfew, as rioters protested the deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced a 24-hour curfew across the state capital starting after Friday prayers, in a bid to quell protests by those he described as troublemakers.

The governor disclosed that the decision took on significance after vandals took over the streets following the death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) which saw buses destroyed, a bank attacked and business and party offices ransacked.

He disclosed this during the condolence visit of the Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who stated that the federal government would not allow this tragedy to happen, and promised to get to the root of the problem and prevent a recurrence of this tragedy in the future.

While addressing federal officials including the Minister, Bago warned that vandals were taking over the streets and immediate action was needed to restore order.

The governor revealed that initial forensic findings showed foam mixed with blood stains in some mouths and peeling skin, opening the possibility of methane, cyanide or lead poisoning that requires a full investigation into the root cause.

The governor also ordered an immediate halt to all mining activities, both legal and illegal, throughout the state until soil testing determines whether hazardous substances are present.

He thanked the Commanding General of Civil Defense for the swift suspension of the former state Commander who ordered the prolonged detention of so many people, and described the decision as a callous and reckless act, stating that the officers on duty who also ignored the detainees’ cries that they were dying were also heartless.

Bago stated that although security forces including the army, police and the Department of State Services had intervened to stop the escalating violence, he appealed to citizens to exercise restraint, remain patient and keep their children at home while authorities work to establish the facts.

He condemned the destruction of public assets, private property, markets, businesses and schools as an affront to governance and warned that such acts would not be tolerated.

While speaking, the minister assured the people of Niger State that justice would soon be served over the tragic deaths of 37 artisanal miners in Wushishi, and promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Minister, conveying his condolences to the President, stressed that the Ministry would work closely with state governments to ensure that anyone responsible for operational negligence would be held accountable.

This tragedy occurred after 67 miners, mostly teenagers aged between 14 and 18, were arrested and held in Civil Defense holding cells for more than 24 hours. 37 miners died in holding cells.